Nobber Motors pass the test

10/12/2010

Nobber Motors has been going strong for over 45 years and the County Meath outlet continues to provide a stellar service to commercial vehicle users. As part of the Vehicle Testing Network, the highly-respected dealership has a key role to play in the north east's motor industry.

Since its inception in 1965, Nobber Motors has developed into one of the premier car and commercial vehicle dealerships in the north east. The multifaceted operation provides a range of services to commercial customers, including a state-of-the-art Vehicle Testing Network (VTN) facility, which carries out Department of Transport approved tests of both light and heavy commercial vehicles.

As it's impossible to secure a road worthiness certificate for your vehicle without first passing this test, Nobber Motors is certainly doing its bit to keep the light and heavy commercial side of the haulage sector ticking over. The VTN also has a vital role to play in improving road safety, which has to be of paramount importance to everybody who gets behind the wheel.

Jim and Rose Proudfoot established Nobber Motors and oversaw its growth into a major player, providing a comprehensive range of products and services - always to the highest possible standards. Today, the family business comprises garages on Main Street, Nobber and Circular Road, Navan. Jim is still at the helm as dealer principal, while Thomas is general manager based in Nobber and Marie is part of the sales team in Navan. Keen attention to detail, excellence and customer service are as prevalent as they ever were.

As an authorised dealer for Chrysler, JEEP, Dodge, Isuzu, Saab & SEAT, Nobber Motors can provide the ideal solution for any discerning motorist, including drivers of LGVs and 4X4s. A team of dedicated professionals is on hand to ensure that every customer is a happy customer, with a back-up service that is simply second to none and lasts for the full lifespan of a vehicle.

A large selection of brand new and pre-owned cars and commercial vehicles is on hand at any given time, with full service and parts facilities also provided, as well as a high-tech accident repair centre. The team at Nobber Motors is totally committed to ensuring that downtime is kept to an absolute minimum - music to the ears of tradesmen or anybody else who uses their vehicle for work!

The vehicle test centre in Nobber carries out vehicle testing inspections on behalf of the Department of Transport. All the equipment used is compatible with the very latest European Communities regulations. A crew of professional, certified and experienced technicians use only state-of-the-art, modern technology to conduct these crucial tests.

Nobber Motors has been a Department-approved test centre since 1991 and currently covers a catchment area comprising Meath as well as parts of neighbouring Cavan, Louth, Monaghan and Westmeath. The VTN test is a compulsory annual check, which must be carried out on the anniversary of the vehicle's date of registration. Without passing this test, drivers can't get a road-worthiness test, which excludes them from taxing the vehicle - not a road anybody wants to be going down!

So how can a vehicle owner go about booking his van or truck in for the test? “It's simply a matter of giving us a call and we will sort things out. The test centre is open from 9am until 5.30, Monday-Friday, and we can always accommodate people. Even though it's quite busy, we tend to space the tests out so we can fit a guy in. Individuals who drive commercial vehicles tend to be busy and they often leave it to the last minute and we understand that. Fleet managers are more organised and they would have everything booked in advance.”

Four technicians are on hand to carry out inspections and the aim is to make the whole procedure as painless and hassle-free as possible. “Once the test has been completed, hopefully the vehicle will pass. If not, we can carry out any work that's required or the customer can bring the vehicle to a garage of his choice before we re-test it. But we offer a one-stop service. If the problems are relatively minor, and the parts are in stock, we can usually get the vehicle through again on the same day and issue the certificate of roadworthiness,” Thomas notes.

There are no hard and fast rules regarding which vehicles tend to pass and which might fail. “Every single vehicle that comes through the garage door is different,” says Thomas. “An '07 could fail and a '99 could breeze through. You just never know. However, once the owner keeps the vehicle in decent condition - regularly serviced and maintained by authorised repairers, then he shouldn't have any problem.”

Any advice that can be given to a driver before he brings his light goods vehicle into the NCT? “The basics like tyres and lights etc. should all be functioning properly and most people can give these a check themselves beforehand. But things like the brakes and steering need to be looked at by a professional. Sometimes it's best just to put the vehicle through and see what work needs to be done, rather than getting the work done beforehand. But, as I said, it should be okay once the vehicle has been reasonably well maintained, and we have a team of qualified mechanics here who can carry out all the necessary improvements.

“Customers should ensure that their vehicle is fit for inspection, especially underneath, by having it washed. This is only necessary for those vehicles which travel off-road. I wouldn't expect a commercial vehicle to be in mint condition because they work hard, but at least in a reasonable state so it can be inspected and serviced properly.”

As part of the Vehicle Testing Network, Nobber Motors are themselves regularly assessed to ensure that they are performing in accordance with the highest industry standards. Certification must be presented to the Department to show that all equipment is fully calibrated and checked, while representatives of both the Road Safety Authority and the County Council inspect the facilities at regular intervals. “It's all about safety at the end of the day and if we can play our part in reducing road deaths - and perhaps help bring down the cost of insurance as well - then we know we're doing a good job,” Thomas concludes.

If you'd like to book your vehicle in for its VTN at Nobber Motors, call 046 9096100, fax 046 9052471 or email [email protected]